MASKS

Man's fascination with his world has led to exploration on earth, to the depths of the oceans, and into space.
Len Stecklers exploration is into man's search for a spiritual connection.

Masks in many cultures are used to facilitate contact with the celestial world. The wearer of a mask, becomes the mythical ancestor, god, spirit, or animal, portrayed by that mask. The donning of a mask, is therefore far more than just a ritual........it is a method by which one establishes a connection with forces outside of ourselves.

"In my Masks Series, I have sought to understand these feelings within myself. I look at these masks in awe and reverence, as well as out of curiosity. In my painted images, I am trying to establish the same ethereal connection as the ancients did."

"Tribal Female"
Acrylic and Charcoal on Paper.
20" x 16"

In 1968, after a fashion photography assignment in Africa, I became fascinated with the tribal customs I observed. This Mask seeks to reach the female tribal elders and was worn during ancient dances.

Original, $7,500.

"Ancient"
Acrylic and Resin on canvas
20" x 17"

This painting is an interpretation of an ancient decayed wood mask from the province of Zaire. It is a death mask, thus the unearthly and spiritual feeling it exudes.

Original $12,500
In the collection of
Mr. Stanley R. Silverberg, L.A., CA

"African Eyes"
Acrylic and Mixed Media
on Canvas
12" x 12"

This image is from a memory of a trip to the Congo, Africa, in 1968. The Spirit of the tribal ancestors comes through the eyes of this mask. The eyes are, at the same time, both dead and alive, with fear and also understanding. There is good and evil, thus it signifies life's contradictions.

Original, $10,800
In the collection of
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marcus, Key West, FL, & L.A., CA

"Brushed Aztec"
Oil on Canvas
18" x 16"

This is from a trip to Mexico, many years ago as a young illustrator. It is a mask designed to frighten away evil spirits and hide the wearer's true identity. The tribesman, however, is recognized by his dead relatives. they wait for his journey through life, and eventually, to join them in the afterlife.

Original, $10,000

"Mayan"
Oil on Canvas
12" x 12"

Painted in 1993, this painting is evocative of the Mayan civilization itself. King Pacal of Palenque,
reflects Mayan majesty, success, brilliance, and strength. He has been replicated more than any other Hispanic cultural icon, and is synonymous with the grandeur of this proud ancient people.

Original, $11,500
In the collection of
Mr. Tom Peters, Atlanta, GA

"Mexican Mask"
Mixed Media on Paper
18" x 20"

This is an interpretation of an ancient Mexican mask painted as part of a series describing art through the ages. It is a beautiful and extremely spiritual death mask that suggests the happiness of floating towards the civilization's elders, already waiting in the afterlife.

Artes print, $7,500

"African King"
Mixed Media on Canvas
12" x 12"

This painting is based on a memory of a photography trip to Zaire in the mid '60's. It is an interpretation of the king of the Kuba tribe, as seen in his haughtiness and regal demeanor. The king ruled with an iron fist and was feared by his subjects. The tribe understood that he was chosen by God, to be a God on earth.

Artes print, $9,500

"African on Green"
Oil on Canvas
12" x 12"

Inspired by a trip to Zaire, this mask is from the Gabon tribe. This female is much beloved. Her beauty is inspiring and respected. She was generous, hard working, and nurturing, and was idolized by her peers. Held up as an ideal of womanhood, this mask is adorned by young girls moving into womanhood, to remind them of what they should seek to become.

Artes print, $9,500.

"Benign Mask - African"
Mixed Media on Paper
30" x 20"

This image is of a mask from the Kusu tribe in Africa. It is a mask meant to inspire peace and acceptance and to dispel the fear of death.
My interpretation also has a reflective and serene quality.
It inspires harmony and grace.

Artes print, $9000.

"Nairobi Deity"
Acrylic on Canvas
12" x 12"

On a trip to Nairobi, Africa in the late 60's, I was struck by the anguish in this mask. This king was desolate and devastated by his own death. There was much he still wanted to accomplish for his people. In my interpretation he weeps for all that he will never see; the generations to come and the mortality of Man. There is great nobility in his sadness.

Artes print, $9,500.

"Ancestor"
Acrylic and resin on canvas
36" x 36"

This is a mask from the Kusu tribe in Africa. I was taken with the power and strength of this mask. Probably molded from a noble person, he exudes determination and intelligence. He holds the knowledge to guide future generations into the afterlife. He will be the guiding force on their journey through life and into death.
Artes print, $11,000.

"The Mask Poster"
Mask Collection
24" x 24"

This is a compilation of paintings from my "Mask" series. It has been collected by many people, and is a fine sample of the work in this series.

Artes print, $5,000.

MASKS

"In my Masks Series, I have sought to understand these feelings within myself. I look at these masks in awe and reverence, as well as out of curiosity. In my painted images, I am trying to establish the same ethereal connection as the ancients did."

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©1999 Steckler Studio, Los Angeles, California (Rev 2/05)